Abbreviation

1. Abbreviations should only be used if they are recognizable to the general public, such as FBI, PTA, NASA, and IRS. If other abbreviations, they should be proceeded by the full title of the organization when the name is first mentioned in the article. Abbreviations should not start any sentence.
   1. Last week, the school's chapter of the National Honor Society (NHS) inducted 20 members into their organization.
2. Professional titles, such as those for Doctor, Miss, Misses, Mister, etc., should only be abbreviated if it comes before the name of the person which it describes.
   1. Correct: Yesterday, Dr. Wendy Royer spoke at the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2012
   2. Incorrect: Yesterday, Wendy Royer, a Dr., spoke at the graduation ceremony for the Class of 2012
3. Months of the year should not be abbreviated when they appear without a specific date. They can be abbreviated when used with a specific date. However, months with less than 6 letters (5 letters or more) should not be abbreviated.
   1. The homecoming dance will take place on Oct. 16, 2011. The 2012 Prom will occur on May 7, 2012.
   2. The homecoming dance will take place in the middle of October. The Prom will occur in May.
4. The postal abbreviations for states can be used when mentioned in connection with a city.
   1. The former principal now lives in Santa Anna, CA.
5. State names should not be abbreviated when used alone.
   1. Mr. Zgraggen once taught in California.
6. Street designations (Road, Street, Avenue, etc.) should be abbreviated with a numbered address.
   1. Correct: The new field has taken over the property that was once 123 Paper Mill Rd.
   2. Incorrect: The new school building will be located on Pennsylvania Ave.
7. Street designations are not abbreviated when used alone.
   1. Correct: The school is located on Paper Mill Road.
   2. Incorrect: The testing center is on Davidson Ave.
8. Do not abbreviate units of measure.
   1. Correct: The quarterback moved the football to the 30-yard line.
   2. Incorrect: The new principal is 8'10".
9. Do not abbreviate days of the week, holidays, departments, or job positions.
   1. Correct: teacher, Christmas, math department, Tuesday
   2. Incorrect: sec. Xmas, Math Dept., Tues.
10. Avoid the abbreviation etc. Instead use "and so on" or "et cetera."